Starting in the 5th century, there was a massive attack by the White Huns in what is now northern and northwestern India and Pakistan. About a century later the reigning Hindu-based Gupta Empire broke up, leaving the Subcontinent vulnerable to Muslim invaders from the north. As time went on, invaders took over land and integrated with the settled peoples of this region. Tribal leaders, especially those involved with defense, were accepted as Kshatrya, the second highest varna (major type of castes) in Hindu society, while their followers became Shudras, the fourth and lowest varna. Priests became the Brahmins, the highest of the four varnas.

The Rajputs, who were part of the Kshatrya varna, became politically important in the seventh century. From around 800 Rajput dynasties ruled northern India. Petty Rajput kingdoms were the main obstacle for Muslim domination of the Hindu subcontinent. For hundreds of years Rajputs were the warriors who defended kingdoms from invaders and conquered others. Whenever possible, Rajputs settled down, became nobles, and enjoyed the lives of landed gentry.

Over a period of a couple hundred years, invaders penetrated the Rajput wall that protected the Subcontinent. Some Rajput subgroups converted to Islam during this time. The British Empire put an end to the Moghul Empire, but they recruited Rajputs into their military units. In the early 1970s, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi abolished Rajput titles and property rights. The Rajputs have kept alive their proud history of conquest, bravery and military might.

Where Are they Located?

Rajputs are divided by clans. Among these clans are the Gaurs. They are located in Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and especially Rajasthan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Though Hindu Gaur Rajputs are still in the armed forces or own land, many have moved on to other livelihoods. Some wealthy Rajputs now own impressive hotels in Rajasthan where tourists can be introduced to their history and culture. Rajputs who aren't so fortunate work as small businessmen or wage laborers.

Rajputs try to marry their daughters into clans of higher rank than their own. The Rajput clans in Rajasthan have the highest status, so families want their daughters to marry men from that state. Unfortunately, Rajputs often marry their daughters off while they are very young.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Forward caste Hindus often become devotees of a couple of gods. Typically, Rajputs worship Shiva (the destroyer), Surya (the sun god), and Durga (the mother goddess). They also have patron gods to turn to for protection. They celebrate Dasahara, a festival dedicated to Durga. During this festival, they sacrifice a buffalo to celebrate this goddess' victory over a buffalo demon. To find spiritual answers, Hindus often turn to gurus.

What Are Their Needs?

Hindu Gaur Rajputs are going through an identity crisis. They can no longer depend on land ownership or military careers, especially with the Indian government reserving prestigious jobs for "backward" (ie, underprivileged) castes. Believers with the right skills can help them during this difficult time of transition.

* Pray for the Hindu Gaur Rajputs community to increasingly grow in awareness of Jesus, his life and their need for Him.
* Pray the Lord will give Gaur Rajputs a spiritual hunger, then satisfy that hunger.
* Pray that these people will understand the value of becoming part of God's royal family.
* Pray for a Holy Spirit led humility for all Rajput communities to fall at the feet of the King of kings.
* Pray for a disciple making movement among every Rajput community.

Joshua Project data is drawn from many sources and of varying accuracy depending on source and editorial decisions. Populations are scaled to the current year. Other data may have varying ages. We welcome suggested updates.

A displayed zero can mean true zero, a very small rounded number or sometimes unknown. Blanks mean an unknown value.

The data is sometimes not as precise as it appears. Values for %Christian Adherent and %Evangelical (which determine unreached status) are often informed estimates, some more accurate than others. We recommend against using %Christian Adherent and %Evangelical for precise calculations.

Joshua Project may be able to provide more information than what is published on this site. Please contact us.

On-the-ground reality may vary from what is presented here. Before making travel plans based on data presented here, please confirm with other sources to the extent possible.